Surface cleaning apparatus with user interface

ABSTRACT

A surface cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning head adapted to move over a surface to be cleaned, a housing coupled with the cleaning head, a first user interface on the housing, and a second user interface on the cleaning head. The first user interface includes at least one user input control. The second user interface includes a plurality of status indicia.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 63/299,438, filed Jan. 14, 2022, which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Surface cleaning apparatuses are well-known devices for removing dirtfrom a variety of surfaces such as carpets, hard floors, or other fabricsurfaces such as upholstery. Such surface cleaning apparatuses caninclude various cleaning systems, such as a vacuum collection system, afluid delivery system, and/or a fluid recovery system. For example, atypical extraction cleaner (e.g. deep cleaner) includes a fluid deliverysystem and a fluid recovery system, and can be embodied in one of anumber of typical architectures, including upright, portable or handheldcleaners, canister, unattended (e.g. a spot cleaner), and autonomous(e.g., a robot). A typical wet/dry vacuum cleaner adapted for cleaninghard and soft floor surfaces can also include a fluid delivery systemand a fluid recovery system, and may deposit cleaning fluid at a lowerflow rate than a typical extraction cleaner. Other common types ofsurface cleaning apparatuses are vacuum cleaners, mops, sweepers, andthe like.

To communicate with the user, surface cleaning apparatus have userinterfaces that can visually or audibly convey information to a user.Such communication has traditionally been limited, and may provideinsufficient information to the user. The location of user interfaceshas also been restricted by the architecture of the apparatus, and oftenrequires a particular line of sight between the user and the interface.It can therefore be difficult to know when information is being conveyedwhile operating the surface cleaning apparatus or when the user is awayfrom the apparatus. Accordingly, a need remains for improving userexperience and facilitating interaction between the user and the surfacecleaning apparatus.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A surface cleaning apparatus with improved user interface features isprovided herein to improve user experience.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, a surface cleaning apparatusincludes a cleaning head adapted to move over a surface to be cleaned, ahousing coupled with the cleaning head, at least cleaning systemselected from a vacuum collection system, a fluid delivery system, and afluid recovery system, a first user interface on the housing, and asecond user interface on the cleaning head. The first user interface hasa mode select input control to select a mode of operation of the surfacecleaning apparatus and status indicators representing the modes ofoperation of the surface cleaning apparatus. The second user interfacehas a status display having duplicate status indicators representing themodes of operation of the surface cleaning apparatus. The first andsecond user interfaces are structured so that when the surface cleaningapparatus is on, a status indicator corresponding to a selected mode ofoperation is illuminated and visible to a user on each of the housingand the cleaning head.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a surface cleaningapparatus includes a cleaning head adapted to move over a surface to becleaned, a housing coupled with the cleaning head, at least cleaningsystem selected from a vacuum collection system, a fluid deliverysystem, and a fluid recovery system, a first user interface on thehousing, and a second user interface on the cleaning head. The firstuser interface has a mode select input control to select a mode ofoperation of the surface cleaning apparatus. The second user interfacehas a status display having status indicators representing the modes ofoperation of the surface cleaning apparatus, and is structured so thatwhen the apparatus is off, the status display is blank, and when theapparatus is on, a status indicator corresponding to a selected mode ofoperation is illuminated and visible to a user.

These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure willbecome apparent from the following description of particularembodiments, when viewed in accordance with the accompanying drawingsand appended claims.

Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited to the details ofoperation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of thecomponents set forth in the following description or illustrated in thedrawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodimentsand of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways notexpressly disclosed herein. In addition, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant toencompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well asadditional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may beused in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwiseexpressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed aslimiting the invention to any specific order or number of components.Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from thescope of the invention any additional steps or components that might becombined with or into the enumerated steps or components. Any referenceto claim elements as “at least one of X, Y and Z” is meant to includeany one of X, Y or Z individually, and any combination of X, Y and Z,for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z ; and Y, Z.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a surface cleaning apparatus according toone aspect of the present disclosure, the apparatus including a firstuser interface and a second user interface, and shown being operated bya user;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of one embodiment of the first userinterface;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of one embodiment of the second userinterface;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an upright floor cleaner with wetcleaning capabilities according to another aspect of the presentdisclosure, the floor cleaner including a first user interface on ahandle and a second user interface on a base, and shown being operatedby a user;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of various functional systems of the floorcleaner from FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing one configuration for the userinterfaces of the floor cleaner of FIG. 4 , along with a portion of thehandle and base;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the second user interface of FIG. 6in an operational state where the floor cleaner is off;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the second user interface of FIG. 6in an operational state where the floor cleaner is in a hard floor mode;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the second user interface of FIG. 6in an operational state where the floor cleaner is in an area rug mode;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing the second user interface of FIG. 6in an operational state where the floor cleaner is in a hard floor modeand a steam warm-up state of a steam mode;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing the second user interface of FIG. 6in an operational state where the floor cleaner is in a hard floor modeand a steam ready state of a steam mode;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing the second user interface and a baselight in an operational state where the floor cleaner is in a hard floormode and is dispensing liquid;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing the second user interface and thebase light in an operational state where the floor cleaner is in a hardfloor mode and steam mode, and is dispensing liquid and steam;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 13 , showing an alternativeconfiguration for the steam dispensing state of the floor cleaner;

FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing the first user interface in anoperational state where the floor cleaner is off and not ready forself-cleaning;

FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing the first user interface in anoperational state where the floor cleaner is off and ready forself-cleaning;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing another configuration for the userinterfaces of the floor cleaner of FIG. 4 , along with a portion of thehandle and base;

FIG. 18 is a schematic view showing yet another configuration for theuser interfaces of the floor cleaner of FIG. 4 , along with a portion ofthe handle and base;

FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing still another configuration for theuser interfaces of the floor cleaner of FIG. 4 , along with a portion ofthe handle and base;

FIG. 20 is a schematic view showing the second user interface of FIG. 19in an operational state where the floor cleaner is in a liquid/steamcleaning mode;

FIG. 21 is a schematic view showing the second user interface of FIG. 19in an operational state where the floor cleaner is in a liquid cleaningmode;

FIG. 22 is a schematic view showing the second user interface of FIG. 19in an operational state where the floor cleaner is in a steam boostmode;

FIG. 23 is a schematic view showing still another configuration for theuser interfaces of the floor cleaner of FIG. 4 , along with a portion ofthe handle and base, where the base includes at least one additionallight;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a canister floor cleaner according toyet another aspect of the present disclosure, the floor cleanerincluding a first user interface on a wand and a second user interfaceon a cleaning head;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a portable extraction cleaner accordingto still another aspect of the present disclosure, the portableextraction cleaner including a first user interface on a housing and asecond user interface on a tool;

FIG. 26 is a schematic view showing another configuration for the userinterfaces of the floor cleaner of FIG. 4 , along with a portion of thehandle, frame, and base; and

FIG. 27 is a schematic view showing yet another configuration for theuser interfaces of the floor cleaner of FIG. 4 , along with a portion ofthe handle and base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The invention generally relates to a surface cleaning apparatus withmultiple user interfaces. In particular, aspects of the invention relateto a surface cleaning apparatus with an improved user communication andexperience.

As used herein, the term “dirt” includes dirt, dust, hair, and otherdebris, unless otherwise noted.

As used herein, the term “cleaning fluid” may encompass liquid, steam,or a mixture of both liquid and steam.

As used herein, the term “steam” includes a liquid, such as, but notlimited to, water or solutions containing water (like water mixed with acleaning chemistry, fragrance, etc.), at least partially converted to agas or vapor phase. The liquid can be boiled or otherwise at leastpartially converted to the gas or vapor phase by heating or mechanicalaction like nebulizing. For example, liquid can be heated to around100±10° C., alternately about 90 to 100° C., alternatively about 95 to98° C. to produce steam. The steam can be invisible to the naked eye, inthe form of a visible mist formed when the gas or vapor condenses inair, or combinations thereof. Steam may have a steam quality of 100%, orless than 100%. As used herein, “steam quality” is the proportion ofsaturated steam in a saturated condensate (liquid) and steam mixture.For example, saturated steam vapor has a steam quality of 100%, andsaturated liquid has a steam quality of 0%.

FIG. 1 shows a surface cleaning apparatus 10 according to one aspect ofthe present disclosure. As discussed in further detail below, theapparatus 10 is provided with user interface features consistent withone or more aspects of the disclosure, the details of which aredescribed in further detail below. As explained herein, the userinterface features enable the apparatus 10 to accept user inputs forcontrolling the apparatus 10, function as a communication output device,and/or provide an improved user experience. The apparatus 10 may includea first user interface (“first UI”) 12 and a second user interface(“second UI”) 14 to accomplish one or more of the aforementionedfunctions.

The apparatus 10 includes a cleaning head adapted to move over a surfaceto be cleaned, a housing coupled with the cleaning head, and at leastcleaning system. One UI 12 can be provided on the housing and the otherUI 14 can be provided on the cleaning head. The UIs 12, 14 can, amongother abilities, accept user inputs for controlling the cleaning systemand/or function as a communication output device for the cleaningsystem.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the surface cleaning apparatus 10 can be anupright floor cleaner including a cleaning head in the form of a base 16adapted to move over a surface to be cleaned and a housing in the formof an upright body 18 coupled with the base 16 to direct the base 16over the surface to be cleaned. As used herein, the term upright floorcleaner is intended to refer to various types of floor cleanersincluding, but not limited to, upright floor cleaners, stick floorcleaners, convertible floor cleaners (e.g., a floor cleaner capable ofbeing used as an upright- or stick-type cleaner as well as a handheldcleaner), a lift-off floor cleaners (e.g., a floor cleaner capable ofbeing used as an upright-type cleaner as well as a canister typecleaner), extraction cleaners (also referred to as carpet cleaners orextraction cleaners), steam cleaners, mopping cleaners, and the like, orcombinations thereof. For example, an upright floor cleaner may be anextraction cleaner.

For purposes of description related to the figures, the terms “upper,”“lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,”“inner,” “outer,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosureas oriented in FIG. 1 from the perspective of a user 20 behind theapparatus 10, which defines the rear of the apparatus 10. However, it isto be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternativeorientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary.

In one example, the upright floor cleaner 10 can be a vacuum cleanerincluding at least a vacuum collection system for creating a partialvacuum to suck up dirt from a floor surface and collect the removed dirtin a space provided on the vacuum cleaner for later disposal.

In another example, the upright floor cleaner 10 can be a wet/dry vacuumcleaner including at least a fluid delivery system for storing cleaningfluid and delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned anda vacuum collection system for creating a partial vacuum to suck up thecleaning fluid and dirt from a floor surface and collect the removeddirt in a space provided on the vacuum cleaner for later disposal. Thefluid delivery system may be configured to deliver liquid and/or steamto the surface to be cleaned.

In yet another example, the upright floor cleaner 10 can be anextraction cleaner or deep cleaner, and can include a fluid deliverysystem for storing cleaning fluid and delivering the cleaning fluid tothe surface to be cleaned and a fluid recovery system for removing thecleaning fluid and dirt from the surface to be cleaned and storing therecovered cleaning fluid and dirt. The fluid delivery system may beconfigured to deliver liquid and/or steam to the surface to be cleaned.In comparison to the wet/dry vacuum cleaner, an extraction cleanertypically delivers cleaning fluid at a higher flow rate to the surfaceto be cleaned. For example, the flow rate of an extraction cleaner maydeliver 10× to 20× that of a wet/dry vacuum cleaner.

In still another example, the upright floor cleaner 10 can be a wetmopping or sweeping apparatus, including a fluid delivery system forstoring cleaning fluid and delivering the cleaning fluid to the surfaceto be cleaned and a mopping or sweeping system for removing cleaningfluid and dirt from the surface to be cleaned without the use ofsuction. The fluid delivery system may be configured to deliver liquidand/or steam to the surface to be cleaned.

The base 16 can comprise any type of base, foot, or other cleaning headsuitable for the purposes described herein, including being moved over afloor surface to be cleaned. The base 16 may include any of a suctionnozzle, an agitator (e.g. a brushroll, a pad, etc.), a squeegee, awheel, a pump, a heater, a motor, a tank, a filter, a dispenser, abattery, a wireless communication module, a hose, and the like, or anycombination thereof.

The upright body 18 can comprise any type of elongated handle, wand,body, or combination thereof suitable for the purposes described herein,including for a user to maneuver the floor cleaner 10 over a floorsurface to be cleaned. The upright body 18 can be adapted to pivot aboutone or more axes through a range of angles relative to the base 16.Optionally, the upright body 18 can be configured so as to swivel aboutits longitudinal axis in addition to pivoting relative to the base 16.FIG. 1 shows one example of the upright body 18 reclined to a useposition. The upright body 18 may also be movable to and retainable inan upright storage position.

The body 18 of FIG. 1 includes a handle 22 having a grip 24, which maybe shaped to be comfortably gripped by one hand of the user 20. Othercomponents of the body 18 may include any of a pump, a motor, a tank, afilter, a dispenser, a battery, a wireless communication module, a wand,a hose, and the like, or any combination thereof. Optionally, the body18 can have a carry handle 25 to facilitate lifting and carrying theentire floor cleaner 10.

The first UI 12 can comprise an input UI having at least one user inputcontrol operably connected to one or more components or systems of thefloor cleaner 10 to affect and control its operation. Non-limitingexamples of input controls include buttons, triggers, toggles, keys,switches, touchscreen icons, or the like, or any combination thereof.

The first UI 12 is configured to accept user inputs to control the floorcleaner 10, including systems or components thereof. For example, theinput controls may affect and control the operation of a vacuumcollection system, a fluid delivery system (e.g., a liquid deliverysystem and/or a steam delivery system), a fluid recovery system, amopping system, a sweeping system, and the like, or any combinationthereof. As yet another example, the input controls may affect andcontrol the operation of a motor, a brushroll, a liquid dispenser, asteam dispenser, a pump, a filter, a supply tank, a recovery tank, abattery, a wireless communication module, and the like, or anycombination thereof.

The second UI 14 can comprise an output UI including at least one statusindicator, or a status display including a plurality of statusindicators, that communicates a condition or status of the floorcleaner, including systems and components thereof, to the user.Non-limiting examples of status indicators include visual indicatorssuch as lights (e.g., LEDs), icon displays, textual displays, graphicaldisplays, or the like, or any combination thereof. The second UI 14 canalso include an auditory output component, such as a speaker.

The second UI 14 is configured to indicate status information relatingto the floor cleaner 10, including systems or components thereof. Forexample, the display may indicate a cleaning mode of the floor cleaner10, a Wi-Fi connections status of the floor cleaner, and the like, orany combination thereof. As another example, the display may indicatethe status of a vacuum collection system, a fluid delivery system (e.g.,a liquid delivery system or a steam delivery system), a fluid recoverysystem, a mopping system, a sweeping system, and the like, or anycombination thereof. As yet another example, the display may indicatethat status of a motor, a brushroll, a liquid dispenser, a steamdispenser, a pump, a filter, a supply tank, a recovery tank, a battery,a wireless communication module, and the like, or any combinationthereof.

While the first UI 12 is referred to herein as an input UI, in someembodiments the first UI 12 may have an output functionality as well.For example, the first UI 12 may, in some embodiments, include at leastone status indicator that communicates a condition or status of thefloor cleaner, including systems and components thereof, to the user. Inother embodiments, the first UI 12 solely accepts input, and does notprovide outputs to the user.

Likewise, while the second UI 14 is referred to herein as an output UI,in some embodiments the second UI 14 may have an input functionality aswell. For example, the second UI 14 may, in some embodiments, include atleast one user input control operably connected to one or morecomponents or systems of the floor cleaner 10 to affect and control itsoperation. In other embodiments, the second UI 14 solely providesoutput, and does not accept inputs from the user.

The first and second UIs 12, 14 are separate from each other, and arelocated on different areas of the floor cleaner 10. The handle 22 caninclude the first UI 12. The first UI 12 can conveniently be locatedadjacent to the grip 24, so that the user 20 may hold the grip 24 in onehand and operate the first UI 12 with the same hand. For example, theuser 20 may wrap their palm and fingers around the grip 24 and operatethe first UI 12 using the thumb of the same hand. Similarly, an inputcontrol 26 can conveniently be located adjacent to the grip 24 and firstUI 12. For example, the user 20 may operate the input control 26 usingthe forefinger of the same hand holding the grip 24. Conveniently, inone arrangement, the UI 12 is disposed on a front side of the grip 24and the input control 26 is disposed on a rear side of the grip 24.

Although shown on an upper portion of the handle 22, adjacent the grip24, other locations for the first UI 12 are possible, includinglocations where the user 20 must hold the grip 24 in one hand andoperate the first UI 12 with their other hand. It may be preferred thatthe first UI 12 is in a location that the user 20 holding the grip 24may operate the first UI 12 without having to bend down or take theirhand off the grip 24. Such locations include, but are not limited to, onthe carry handle 25, on a portion 28 of the handle 22 other than thegrip 24, or on an upper portion 30 of the upright body 18. FIG. 1 showssome non-limiting examples of alternative locations for the first UI 12in phantom line. In some aspects, the first UI 12 may include a firstportion on the handle 22 and a second portion in another location, suchas the carry handle 25, portion 28, or upper portion 30, for example.

The cleaning head, in FIG. 1 the base 16, can include the second UI 14.The second UI 14 can conveniently be located in a field of view 32 ofthe user 20 operating the apparatus. As used herein, the user's “fieldof view” 32 is the observable area a person can see through their eyes.When operating a surface cleaning apparatus, the user 20 commonly looksdown the apparatus toward a surface being cleaned and/or toward thecleaning head or base 16 moving over the surface. For example, tooperate the upright floor cleaner 10, the user 20 may stand generallybehind the floor cleaner 10 and hold the grip 24 in one hand. Duringoperation, the user 20 may commonly switch between looking straight outand down the floor cleaner 10 toward a floor surface 34 being cleaned.For example, during operation, the user 20 may shift their focus acrossthe field of view 32 as they observe the surface they are in the processof cleaning (the portion of the surface the base 16 is traveling overand/or about to travel over in the next instant) and the portion of thesurface they intend to move the base 16 to next as they proceed with thecleaning the surface according to the user's particular travel patternacross the surface. As such, their field of view 32 includes the base 16of the floor cleaner 10, and may also include a lower front portion 36of the upright body 18. Locating the second UI 14 on the base 16positions the second UI 14 in the user's field of view 32.

During operation of the floor cleaner 10, the user 20 can quickly glanceback and forth between the floor surface 34 being cleaned and the secondUI 14. Even when the user's attention is focused on the floor surface34, changes displayed on the second UI 14 are within the user's field ofview 32, and so may readily draw the user's attention to the informationconveyed by second UI 14.

Typically, a range of up to 60 degrees from a horizontal sight line H isa comfortable visible range for most people without straining the eyes.Thus, in some configurations the UI 14 can be located within 60 degreesfrom the horizontal sight line H of the user 20. Further, to beinclusive of the anthropometric height range of typical users, the UI 14can be located within the field of view 32 of user 20 having a heightwithin a range of a 5^(th) percentile female to a 95^(th) percentilemale.

In the case of an upright architecture, like the floor cleaner 10 ofFIG. 1 , the second UI 14 may be on a portion of the base 16 that iswithin the user's field of view 32 when the upright body 18 is reclinedto the use position. When in the upright storage position, the second UI14 may be blocked or partially blocked from view by the user 20 standingbehind the floor cleaner 10, but may be visible to a user approachingthe floor cleaner 10 from the front or side of the floor cleaner 10. Inother configurations, the second UI 14 may be within the user's field ofview 32 regardless of whether it is in the reclined use position orupright storage position.

Although shown on the base 16, and particularly on a top side 38 of thebase 16, other locations for the second UI 14 are possible. It may bepreferred that the second UI 14 is in a location that the user 20holding the grip 24 may view the second UI 14 without having to benddown or take their hand off the grip 24. Such locations include, but arenot limited to, the lower front portion 36 of the upright body 18. FIG.1 shows some non-limiting examples of alternative locations for thesecond UI 14 in phantom line.

The floor cleaner 10 can further include a main controller 40 operablycoupled with the various function systems and components of the floorcleaner 10, including the first and second UIs 12, 14. The maincontroller 40 can further be operably coupled with one or more sensorsfor receiving input about the floor cleaner 10 or its environment, andcan use the sensor input to control the operation of the floor cleaner10.

The UIs 12, 14 can take various arrangements. FIGS. 2 and 3 are diagramsshowing a cross-section of one embodiment of the first UI 12 and oneembodiment of the second UI 14, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 2 , one embodiment of the first UI 12 is shown, andincludes multiple user input controls 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D. Four inputcontrols are shown, although it is understood that more than four orless than four input controls are possible.

The input controls 50A-50D can include a switch 52A-D within the uprightbody 18 and a switch cover or button 54A-D that is on an exteriorsurface of the floor cleaner 10 or forms an exterior surface of thefloor cleaner 10. As shown in FIG. 2 , the button 54A-D are on thehandle grip 24. In operation, a user presses one of the buttons 54A-D toactuate the associated switch 52A-D, and the switch 52A-D controls oneor more components or systems of the floor cleaner 10 to affect andcontrol its operation.

Each input control 50A-50D is preferably provided with an icon 56A-D.The icons 56A-D can be in the form of graphics, symbols, words, or acombination thereof. Various icons are possible, and preferably give theuser an indication of the purpose of the input control 50A-50D.

The icons 56A-D can be added to the button 54A-D by pad printing,attaching a label, adhering a graphic, or the like. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2 , the input controls 50A-C include icons 56A-C added to theirbutton 54A-C by pad printing, and are visible at all times to the user.In another embodiment, the icons 56A-D can next to the button 54A-D.

At least one of the user input controls, here input control 50D, canhave a contextual or context-based icon 56D structured so that, when thefunction associated with the input control 50D is not available to theuser, the icon is not visible to the user. The contextual icon 56D isonly visible at an appropriate time and under appropriate conditions forselection of the function associated with the input control 50D. Thus,the contextual icon 56D informs the user when a specific feature isavailable.

In some embodiments, when the function associated with the input control50D is not available to the user, pressing the input control 50D doesnot affect or control the associated function. Thus, display of thecontextual icon 56D to the user is associated with an enablement of theassociated function that allows the associated function to be selectedby the user.

The contextual icon 56D can be a back-lit icon structured so that, whenthe function associated with the input control 50D is not available tothe user, the icon 56D is hidden or dead, e.g. not illuminated by an LED58 or other illumination source, and when the function associated withthe input control is available to the user, the icon 56D is illuminatedand visible to the user. The back-lit icon 56D can be in the form of agraphic, symbol, word, or a combination thereof. For example, the inputcontrol 50D can have a back-lit graphic on the switch cover 54D. Inanother example, the input control 50D can have a back-lit dot or othersymbol adjacent to the switch cover 54D, which may itself include agraphic or other icon that is always visible.

The switches 52A-D and LED 58 can be mounted on a PCB 62. As usedherein, unless otherwise noted, the term “PCB” includes a printedcircuit board having a plurality of electrical and electronic componentsthat provide operational control to the floor cleaner 10. The PCBincludes, for example, a processing unit (e.g., a microprocessor, amicrocontroller, or another suitable programmable device) and a memory(e.g., a read-only memory (“ROM”), a random access memory (“RAM”), anelectrically erasable programmable read-only memory (“EEPROM”), a flashmemory, or another suitable magnetic, optical, physical, or electronicmemory device). The processing unit is connected to the memory andexecutes instructions (e.g., software) that is capable of being storedin the RAM (e.g., during execution), the ROM (e.g., on a generallypermanent basis), or another non-transitory computer readable mediumsuch as another memory or a disc. Additionally or alternatively, thememory is included in the processing unit (e.g., as part of amicrocontroller). Software stored in memory includes, for example,firmware, program data, one or more program modules, and otherexecutable instructions. The processing unit is configured to retrievefrom memory and execute, among other things, instructions related to thecontrol processes and methods described herein. The PCB can alsoinclude, among other things, a plurality of additional passive andactive components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, integratedcircuits, and amplifiers. These components are arranged and connected toprovide a plurality of electrical functions to the PCB including, amongother things, signal conditioning or voltage regulation. For descriptivepurposes, a PCB and the electrical components populated on the PCB arecollectively referred to as a controller. Thus, the PCB 62 of the firstuser interface 12 and the electrical components populated on the PCB 62may be referred to as a first user interface controller.

Referring to FIG. 3 , one embodiment of the second UI 14 is shown, andincludes a hidden status display 70 with a plurality of statusindicators 72A-C. The second UI 14 can be structured so that when thefloor cleaner is off, the status display 70 is blank and the statusindicators 72A-C are hidden or dead, e.g. not illuminated, and when thefloor cleaner is on, the status indicators 72A-C may selectively beilluminated and visible to the user. As explained in further detailbelow, the status indicators 72A-C can be back-lit icons that are hiddenor dead, e.g. not illuminated, under a first condition and mayselectively be illuminated and visible under a second condition. Threestatus indicators 72A-C are shown, although it is understood that morethan three or less than three status indicators are possible.

The status display 70 includes a masking layer 74 on a portion 76 of thebase 16, which may be translucent or transparent, i.e. it permits lightfrom an LED 78A-C or other illumination source positioned internally ofthe base 16 to emit light therethrough. The masking layer 74 blockslight from the LEDs 78A-C in the base 16. Various masking layers arepossible, including, but not limited to, opaque paint, such as black orgray paint.

The status indicators 72A-C are icons etched in the masking layer 74.The etching extends down to the surface of the portion 76 of the base16, so that light can pass through the etched icon from the associatedLED 78A-C. The LEDs 78A-C can emit visible light in one or more colors,such as, but not limited to, white, blue, orange, red, green, yellow,and the like. The LEDs 78A-C can be configured to emit light in specificcolors, wavelength ranges, and or patterns to convey information to theuser. Alternatively or in addition, the LEDs 78A-C may be adjustable bythe user to emit light in different wavelength ranges or colors. TheLEDs 78A-C can be mounted on a PCB 80. The PCB 80 of the second userinterface 14 and the electrical components populated on the PCB 80 maybe referred to as a second user interface controller.

The status display 70 includes a light-transmitting layer 82 appliedover the masking layer 74 to cover the etched icons. Thelight-transmitting layer 82 can be a second paint layer that islight-transmitting so that when one of the LEDs 78A-C is on, theassociated icon is visible to the user. When the LED 78A-C associatedwith the icon is off, the icon is not visible to the user.

One or more additional layers can be applied on top of thelight-transmitting layer 82. For example, a clear coating 84 ofpolyurethane or similar material can be applied to protect the statusdisplay from wear or damage. Also, while the masking andlight-transmitting layers 74, 82 are discussed herein as being a singlelayer, multiple layers could also be used.

FIG. 4 shows an upright floor cleaner 110 with wet cleaning capabilitiesaccording to another aspect of the present disclosure. The floor cleaner110 can include multiple cleaning systems, including a liquid deliverysystem and a recovery system. In some embodiments, the floor cleaner 110also include a steam delivery system. The floor cleaner 110 may includea first UI 112 and a second UI 114 to accept user inputs for controllingthe cleaning systems, function as a communication output device for thecleaning systems, and/or provide an improved user experience. The floorcleaner 110 can, for example, be a wet/dry vacuum cleaner or anextraction cleaner.

With both steam and liquid delivery systems, the floor cleaner 110 canselectively deliver liquid and/or steam to the surface to be cleaned.The first UI 112 can have appropriate input controls for user control ofthe systems, including dispensing liquid only or dispensing liquid andsteam simultaneously to the surface to be cleaned. The second UI 114 canoutput status information to the user.

The floor cleaner 110 includes a cleaning head in the form of a base 116adapted to move over a surface to be cleaned and a housing in the formof an upright body 118 coupled with the base 116 to direct the base 116over the surface to be cleaned. The body 118 includes a handle 122having a grip 124 and a trigger 126. The various cleaning systems andcomponents thereof can be supported by either or both the base 116 andthe upright body 118.

A moveable joint assembly 142 can connect the base 116 to the uprightbody 118 for movement of the upright body 118 about at least one axis.In the embodiment shown herein, the upright body 118 can pivot up anddown about at least one axis relative to the base 116. The jointassembly 142 can alternatively comprise a universal joint, such that theupright body 118 can swivel about its longitudinal axis in addition topivoting relative to the base 116. The upright body 118 can pivot, viathe joint assembly 142, between an upright or storage position (notshown) and a reclined or use position, an example of which is shown inFIG. 4 , in which the upright body 118 is pivoted rearwardly to form anacute angle with the surface to be cleaned. Wiring and/or conduits canoptionally supply electricity, air, liquid and/or steam between theupright body 118 and the base 116, or vice versa, and can extend thoughthe joint assembly 142. As such, in some embodiments, a portion of thecleaning systems can extend through the joint assembly 142.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of various functional systems of the floorcleaner 110. The liquid delivery system includes a source of cleaningfluid 144, at least one liquid dispenser 146 supplied with liquidcleaning fluid from the source of cleaning fluid 144, and a liquidsupply path 148 from the source of cleaning fluid to a liquid dispenser146.

The fluid source 144 can stored cleaning fluid in liquid form. Thecleaning fluid can comprise one or more of any suitable cleaning fluids,including, but not limited to, water, compositions, concentrateddetergent, diluted detergent, etc., and mixtures thereof. For example,the cleaning fluid can comprise water. In another example, the cleaningfluid can comprise a mixture of water and concentrated detergent.

The liquid delivery system can include a flow controller for controllingthe flow of fluid from the source 144 to the liquid dispenser 146. Inone configuration, the flow controller can comprise a pump 150, whichpressurizes the path 148 and controls the delivery of liquid cleaningfluid to the liquid dispenser 146. In one example, the pump 150 can be acentrifugal pump. In another example, the pump 150 can be a solenoidpump.

The release of cleaning liquid from the liquid dispenser 146 can becontrolled by the trigger 126. The trigger 126 can operate a valve 149in the path 148, where depressing the trigger 126 opens the valve 149 torelease cleaning liquid to the dispenser 146. Release of the trigger 126closes the valve 149 and stops liquid dispensing. As described infurther detail below, in some embodiments, operation of the valve 149upon depression of the trigger 126 can be mode-dependent. In otherwords, depending on a selected cleaning mode of the floor cleaner 110,depression of the trigger 126 may or may not open the liquid valve 149.

In another configuration of the fluid delivery system, the trigger 126can operate the pump 150, where depressing the trigger 126 activates thepump 150 and releasing the trigger 126 turns the pump 150 off. In such aconfiguration, valve 149 may be integrated with the pump 150 or may beabsent from the floor cleaner 110.

In another configuration of the fluid delivery system, the pump 150 canbe eliminated and the flow controller can comprise a gravity-feed systemhaving a valve fluidly coupled with an outlet of the source 144, wherebywhen the valve is open, fluid will flow under the force of gravity tothe liquid dispenser 146.

The liquid dispenser 146 can comprise any structure, such as a nozzle, aspray tip, or a manifold, and can comprise at least one liquid outletfor dispensing liquid cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. Thedispenser 146 can be positioned to deliver liquid cleaning fluiddirectly to the surface to be cleaned, or indirectly by deliveringliquid cleaning fluid onto an agitator (not shown). In one non-limitingexample, the dispenser 146 delivers liquid cleaning fluid onto abrushroll. In another non-limiting example, the dispenser 146 deliversliquid cleaning fluid between two horizontally-rotating brushrolls.

The liquid delivery system can include other conduits, ducts, tubing,hoses, connectors, valves, etc. fluidly coupling the components of theliquid delivery system together and providing the liquid supply path148.

The fluid source 144 can include at least one supply container forstoring a supply of cleaning fluid. In yet another configuration, thefluid delivery system can have an additional supply container (notshown) for storing another cleaning fluid. For example the first supplycontainer can store water and the second supply container can store acleaning agent such as detergent. In embodiments where multiple supplycontainers are provided, the floor cleaner 110 can have with a mixingsystem for controlling the composition of the cleaning fluid that isdelivered to the surface.

The steam delivery system includes a source of cleaning fluid, a heater152 for heating the cleaning fluid, a steam dispenser 154 to dispensesteam, and a steam supply path 156 from the source of cleaning fluid tothe steam dispenser 154. The heater 152 preferably heats the cleaningfluid to around 100±10° C., alternately about 90 to 100° C.,alternatively about 95 to 98° C. Some non-limiting examples of asuitable heater 152 include, but are not limited to, a flash heater, aboiler, an immersion heater, and a flow-through steam generator.

The steam delivery system can share the same fluid source 144 as theliquid delivery system. In another embodiment, the floor cleaner 110 caninclude a separate supply container (not shown) for storing a cleaningfluid for the steam delivery system. In embodiments where the fluidsource 144 is shared, a manifold splitter 158 splits liquid between thesteam supply path 156 and the liquid supply path 148.

The steam delivery system can include a flow controller to control theflow of fluid from the source 144 to the heater 152. In oneconfiguration, the flow controller can comprise a pump 160 thatpressurizes the path 156 and controls the delivery of heated fluid tothe steam dispenser 154. In one example, the pump 160 can be acentrifugal pump. In another example, the pump 160 can be a solenoidpump.

The release of steam from the steam dispenser 154 can be controlled bythe trigger 126. The trigger 126 can operate a valve 157 in the path156, where depressing the trigger 126 opens the valve 157 to releasesteam to the steam dispenser 154. Release of the trigger 126 closes thevalve 157 and stops steam dispensing. As described in further detailbelow, in some embodiments, operation of the valve 157 upon depressionof the trigger 126 can be mode-dependent. In other words, depending on aselected cleaning mode of the floor cleaner 110, depression of thetrigger 126 may or may not open the steam valve 157. For example,depending on the cleaning mode, operation of the trigger 126 may openthe liquid valve 149 only, the steam valve 157 only, or both the valves149, 157.

In yet another embodiment, a separate steam input control 159selectively operates the steam valve 157 to control steam dispensing,while the trigger 126 selectively operates the liquid valve 149 tocontrol liquid dispensing. A user may operate both controls 126, 159 atthe same time for simultaneous liquid and steam dispensing.

In another configuration of the fluid delivery system, the trigger 126can operate the pump 160, where depressing the trigger 126 activates thepump 160 and releasing the trigger 126 turns the pump 160 off. In such aconfiguration, valve 157 may be integrated with the pump 160 or may beabsent from the floor cleaner 110.

The steam dispenser 154 can comprise any structure, such as a nozzle ora manifold, and can comprise at least one steam outlet for dispensingsteam toward the surface to be cleaned. The dispenser 154 can bepositioned to deliver steam directly to the surface to be cleaned, orindirectly by delivering steam onto an agitator or cleaning pad. In onenon-limiting example, the steam dispenser 154 delivers steam onto thesurface to be cleaned in front of the base 116.

The steam delivery system can include other conduits, ducts, tubing,hoses, connectors, valves, etc. fluidly coupling the components of thesystem together and providing the supply path 156 from the cleaningfluid source 144 to the steam dispenser 154.

In certain embodiments, the liquid provided to the liquid dispenser 146does not pass through the heater 152 and/or is otherwise unheated, andis at the same temperature as the fluid source 144. In otherembodiments, the liquid provided to the liquid dispenser 146 passesthrough a heater (not shown) or is otherwise heated to a temperaturethat is less than the temperature of the steam dispensed by the steamdispenser 154. Such a heater can be located downstream of the fluidsource 144 and upstream of the pump 150. In yet another example, exhaustair from a motor-cooling pathway for a motor/fan assembly can be appliedto the liquid supply path 148 to heat the liquid.

The recovery system can include a suction nozzle 162, a suction sourceincluding a vacuum motor 164 in fluid communication with the suctionnozzle 162 for generating a working air stream through a recovery path166, and a recovery container 168 for separating and collecting fluidand dirt from the working airstream for later disposal. A separator 170can be formed in a portion of the recovery container 168 for separatingfluid and entrained dirt from the working airstream.

The suction nozzle 162 can be provided on the cleaning head or base 116adapted to move over the surface to be cleaned. The suction nozzle 162can including a suction pathway having a nozzle inlet defining an inletof the recovery path 166.

The floor cleaner 110 can include an agitator 172 to agitate the surfaceto be cleaned. In one non-limiting example, the agitator 172 ispositioned within the suction nozzle 162, with the suction nozzle inletpositioned in close proximity to the agitator 172 to collect liquid anddebris directly from the agitator 172. In another non-limiting example,the agitator 172 is positioned outside the suction nozzle 162, with thesuction nozzle 162 disposed forwardly of the agitator 172 on thecleaning head. The former example may be suitable for a floor cleanercomprising a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, while the later example may besuitable for a floor cleaner comprising an extraction cleaner.

Some examples of agitators 172 include, but are not limited to, ahorizontally-rotating brushroll, dual horizontally-rotating brushrolls,one or more vertically-rotating brushrolls, a stationary brush, or acleaning pad. In one non-limiting example, the agitator 172 is a singlehorizontally-rotating brushroll, the liquid dispenser 146 deliversliquid cleaning fluid onto the brushroll, and the suction nozzle 162substantially surrounds the brushroll. In another non-limiting example,the agitator 172 is two horizontally-rotating brushrolls, the liquiddispenser 146 delivers liquid cleaning fluid between twohorizontally-rotating brushrolls, and the suction nozzle 162 is disposedforwardly of the brushrolls and liquid dispenser 146.

In the case of a moving agitator 172, a drive assembly including anagitator motor 174 can drive the agitator 172. A drive transmission (notshown) operably connects the motor 174 with the agitator 172 fortransmitting rotational motion of the motor 174 to the agitator 172.

The floor cleaner 110 can also be provided with above-the-floor cleaningfeatures (not shown), including, but not limited to, an accessory hoseand an above-the floor cleaning tool with its own suction inlet and/orfluid dispenser.

Electrical components of the cleaner 10, including the heater 152, pumps150, 160, vacuum motor 164, and agitator motor 174, are electricallycoupled to a power source 176, which can comprise a power cord pluggedinto a household electrical outlet or a battery for cordless operation.The first UI 112 can have appropriate input controls for user control ofone or more of the heater 152, pumps 150, 160, vacuum motor 164, andagitator motor 174, thereby controlling the cleaning systems of thefloor cleaner 110. For example, cleaning modes can have associatedoperating parameters for the heater 152, pumps 150, 160, vacuum motor164, and/or agitator motor 174, such that user selection of a cleaningmode will operate those components according to the associated operatingparameters. The second UI 114 can output status information regardingthe selected cleaning modes to the user.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing one configuration of the UIs 112, 114for the floor cleaner 110, along with the handle 122 and base 116. Inthis embodiment, the floor cleaner 110 is a wet/dry vacuum cleanerhaving a hard floor mode, an area rug mode, and a steam mode. The steammode can operate in conjunction with the hard floor mode or the area rugmode.

The first UI 112 has an on/off button, e.g. a power button 178, toactivate and de-active the vacuum motor 164 (FIG. 5 ). By default,pressing the power button 178 to activate the vacuum motor 164 canoperate the floor cleaner 110 in the hard floor mode. Pressing the powerbutton 178 may also turn the heater 152 on. In other embodiments, thedefault cleaning mode can be the area rug mode or the last modeselected. Other default operating modes for the floor cleaner 110 arepossible, including a default mode in which pressing the power button178 activates an electronic component of the floor cleaner 110 otherthan the vacuum motor 164.

The first UI 112 has a mode select input control or mode button 180 toselect between different modes when the floor cleaner 110 is on. Examplemodes include a hard floor mode and an area rug mode. The mode button180 can operate a toggle switch that cycles through the cleaning modes.For example, repeated pressing of the mode button 180 can cycle betweenthe hard floor and area rug modes.

Referring back to FIG. 6 , the first UI 112 has a steam button 184 toselect the steam mode. The steam button 184 can operate a toggle switchthat cycles the steam mode on and off. The steam mode can haveassociated operating parameters for the heater 152, pumps 150, 160,vacuum motor 164, and/or agitator motor 174 (FIG. 5 ). In one example,in the steam mode, the pump 160 is activated. Therefore, pressing thesteam button 184 activates and de-actives the pump 160. Optionally,there is a warm-up period after turning the heater 152 on via the powerbutton 178 during which steam is not available to be dispensed.

As noted above, the steam mode can be structured to operate inconjunction with the hard floor mode, area rug mode, or another cleaningmode. For example, pressing the steam button 184 to select a steam modemay include maintaining operation of the currently-selected hard flooror area rug mode. In another embodiment, pressing the steam button 184to select the steam mode may deactivate the currently-selected mode.

With reference to FIG. 5 , the cleaning modes can have associatedoperating parameters for the heater 152, pumps 150, 160, vacuum motor164, and/or agitator motor 174. In one example of the hard floor mode,the vacuum motor 164, liquid pump 150, and brush motor 174 areactivated, with the vacuum motor 164 operating at a first power level.In one example of the area rug mode, the vacuum motor 164, liquid pump150, and brush motor 174 are activated, with the vacuum motor 164operating at a second power level, which is higher than the first powerlevel. In another example, the flow rate of liquid in the hard floormode is higher than in the area rug mode. In one example of the steammode, the vacuum motor 164, liquid pump 150, heater 152, steam pump 160,and brush motor 174 are activated, with the vacuum motor 164 operatingat a power level of the selected hard floor or area rug mode.

As noted above, in all cleaning modes, the release of cleaning fluid(e.g., cleaning liquid and/or steam based on the selected mode) can becontrolled by the trigger 126. Alternatively, release of cleaning liquidcan be controlled by the trigger 126 and release of steam can becontrolled by the steam input control 159.

Table 1 below lists some non-limiting examples of operating parametersfor the cleaning modes, including whether liquid and/or steam isdispensed, and whether the brush motor is on or off. Other operatingparameters for the cleaning modes and other cleaning modes are possible.

TABLE 1 Cleaning Liquid Steam Vacuum Brush Mode Dispensing DispensingMotor Motor Hard Floor ON OFF LOW ON Area Rug ON OFF HIGH ON Steam ON ONLOW/HIGH ON

The first UI 112 has a clean-out cycle button 186 to activate andde-activate a self-cleaning mode of the floor cleaner 110 in which thefloor cleaner 110 executes an automatic, unattended clean-out cycle.During the clean-out cycle, cleaning liquid is sprayed on the agitator172 (FIG. 5 ) while the agitator 172 rotates. Liquid is extracted anddeposited into the recovery container 168, thereby also flushing out thesuction nozzle 162 and the recovery path 166. One non-limiting exampleof an automatic, unattended clean-out cycle is disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 11,160,431, issued Nov. 2, 2021, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. Other clean-out cycles are possible. Inanother embodiment, the clean-out cycle button 186 can be providedelsewhere on the floor cleaner 110, such as on a carry handle 125 (FIG.4 ) of the floor cleaner 110.

The power button 178, mode button 180, and steam button 184 can haveicons 190, 192, 194, respectively, that are pad-printed or are otherwisevisible at all times to the user. The clean-out cycle button 186 canhave a contextual or context-based icon 196 that is displayed when aclean-out cycle is needed and/or when a clean-out cycle is ready to beexecuted.

During operation, the user can select the mode button 180 and/or steambutton 184 to toggle through multiple cleaning modes. With thearrangement of the UI 112 on the handle 122 the user can convenientlyhold the handle grip 124 in one hand and use the thumb of the same handto toggle the mode button 180 and/or steam button 184 until the desiredmode is selected. The selected cleaning mode is displayed on the base116 by the second UI 114.

The second UI 114 includes a hidden status display 198 on the base 116with a plurality of status indicators. The individual status indicatorscan each include at least one icon in the form of graphics, symbols,words, or a combination thereof. In FIG. 6 , for example, the second UI114 is shown with three status indicators, including a hard floor modestatus indicator comprising an icon 200 in the form of a graphicdepicting a hard floor, an area rug status indicator comprising an icon204 in the form of a graphic icon depicting a rug, and a steam statusindicator comprising an icon 202 in the form of a graphic icon depictingsteam. The icons are each backlit by an illumination element (see, e.g.LED 78 in FIG. 3 ). The different shapes of the icons 200-204 provide avisual signal to the user that different modes are in operation. Toprovide a further visual distinction, the icons 200-204 may illuminatein different colors. For example, the hard floor and area rug icons 200,202 can illuminate in a first color (e.g., blue), and the steam icon 204can illuminate in a second color (e.g., orange).

When the floor cleaner 110 is off, the status display 198 is blank andthe icons 200-204 are hidden or dead, e.g. not illuminated. When thefloor cleaner 110 is on, the icons 200-204 may selectively beilluminated and visible to the user. For example, the hard floor icon200 can be hidden or dead, e.g. not illuminated when the floor cleaner110 is not operating in the hard floor mode, and can be illuminated andvisible when the hard floor mode is selected, e.g. using mode button180. The area rug icon 202 can be hidden or dead, e.g. not illuminatedwhen the floor cleaner 110 is not operating in the area rug mode, andcan be illuminated and visible when the area rug mode is selected, e.g.using mode button 180. The steam icon 204 can be hidden or dead, e.g.not illuminated when the floor cleaner 110 is not operating in the steammode, and can be illuminated and visible when the steam mode isselected, e.g. using steam button 184. The status display 198 thereforeshows the selected cleaning mode on the base 116, within the user'sfield of view where the user naturally looks while cleaning a surface.

FIG. 6 shows but one configuration for the UIs 112, 114. It isunderstood that other layouts, buttons, status indicators, and/or iconsare possible, including having the same buttons in a different layout,or having additional or fewer buttons, status indicators, and/or icons.For example, for a floor cleaner without a steam delivery system, thefirst UI 112 may not include the steam button 184 and the second UI 114may not include the steam status icon 202. Other possible UI buttons,status indicators, and/or icons include, but are not limited to, othercleaning modes, battery status, Wi-Fi connection status, an empty supplycontainer status, a full recovery container status, filter status, floortype, or any number of other status information.

The floor cleaner 110 can include an additional light on the base 116 tovisually convey a status, alert, or error by emitting visible light indifferent colors and/or light animations. The additional light canduplicate information conveyed by the first and/or second UI 112, 114 orshow different information to the user. In FIG. 6 , the floor cleaner110 has a headlight 206 on the base 116 that is capable of beingilluminated in multiple different colors.

The headlight 206 can be structured so that the headlight 206 is notilluminated when the floor cleaner 110 is off and the headlight 206 isilluminated when the floor cleaner 110 is on. For example, the headlight206 is illuminated in a first color when the floor cleaner 110 is on anda dispensing control is not actuated, and the headlight 206 isilluminated in a second color when the floor cleaner 110 is on and thedispensing control is actuated to dispense cleaning fluid. Thedispensing control may be, for example, the trigger 126 (FIG. 5 ) thatcontrols dispensing from the liquid dispenser 146 and/or steam dispenser154, or the steam input control 159 that controls the dispensing ofsteam from the steam dispenser 154.

In another example, the headlight 206 is illuminated in a first colorwhen the floor cleaner 110 is on and the steam mode is not selected, andthe headlight 206 is illuminated in a second color when the floorcleaner 110 is on and the steam mode is selected.

The headlight 206 can be disposed on an upper side of the base 116,making the emitted visible light easy to see from the typical operatingposition of the user behind and above the base 116. Various locationsfor the headlight 206 on the base 116 are possible. In one embodiment,the headlight 206 can be located behind a cover 208, which can definethe suction nozzle 162 and/or a chamber for the agitator 172 (FIG. 5 ).The cover 208 can be formed at least partially from a transparent,semi-transparent, or translucent material, and may, for example, allow auser to view visible light emitted from the headlight 206 from thetypical operating position of the user behind and above the base 16. Theemitted visible light passing through the cover 208 may be refracted ordiffused such that a portion of the cover 208 appears to glow.

The headlight 206 can include at least one light source comprising atleast one light emitting element, such as, but not limited to, a lightemitting diode (LED), an organic LED (OLED), a chip-on-board LED, alaser or laser diode, a regular lamp (arc lamp, gas discharge lamp,etc.), bulbs, or other light emitting device. The headlight 206 cancomprise multiple light emitting elements, such as multiple LEDs. For anLED light source, an RGB LED may be preferred in order to produce lightsin varying colors to indicate different statuses, errors, and/or alertsfor the floor cleaner 110.

The floor cleaner 110 can have other lighting in addition to or as analternative to the headlight 206. Other lighting includes, but is notlimited to, a UI edge light or a base edge light, examples of which aregiven below.

FIGS.7-14 show the base 116 of the floor cleaner 110 in variousoperational states and/or operating modes. In FIG. 7 , the floor cleaner110 is off, and accordingly the status display 198 of the second UI 114is hidden.

In FIG. 8 , the floor cleaner 110 is powered on and in a defaultoperational state. The default operational state may be the hard floormode, and therefore the hard floor icon 200 illuminated and visible.

In FIG. 9 , the floor cleaner 110 is in the area rug mode, and thereforethe area rug icon 202 is illuminated and visible.

In FIG. 10 , the floor cleaner 110 is in the hard floor mode and a steamwarm-up state of the steam mode, and therefore the hard floor icon 200and the steam icon 204 are illuminated and visible. The floor cleaner110 may be in the steam warm-up state for a predetermined period of timeafter powering the floor cleaner 110 on, during which the heater 152 isturned on and is warming up. One non-limiting warm-up period is 30seconds. As indicated by illumination lines in FIG. 10 , during steamwarm-up the steam icon 204 can emit light in an animated state, e.g.with a change pattern and/or changing characteristics over time. Variousanimations are contemplated, including, but not limited to, a flashinganimation. In a flashing animation, light intensity generally varies ina square wave fashion or in some other non-sinusoidal manner. In someexamples, depending on the manner of use of the floor cleaner 110, thesteam icon 204 may or may not exhibit the warm-up state status when thesteam mode is selected. For example, in some cases the user may activatethe steam mode after the heater 152 has already heated up and reachedits predetermined operating set-point, such as after using the floorcleaner 110 in a cleaning mode that does not utilize steam for apredetermined period of time. While the user is using the floor cleaner110 in the cleaning mode without steam, the heater 152 may be heating upsuch that when the user switches to a cleaning mode with steam, thefloor cleaner 110 is essentially ready to instantaneously dispense steamon demand and thus the steam icon 204 is illuminated in visible. Inanother example, the user may wish to utilize a cleaning mode with steamright away upon powering on the floor cleaner 110. In this scenario, thesteam icon 204 can emit light in an animated state while the heater 152heats up, indicating to the user that steam is not yet ready fordispensing, once the heater 152 has heated up to the set-point suitablefor generating steam for use in a steam cleaning mode, the steam icon204 can be illuminated in a steady state to indicate to the user thatsteam is now ready for dispensing on demand during cleaning.

In FIG. 11 , the floor cleaner 110 is in the hard floor mode and steamready state of the steam mode, and therefore the hard floor icon 200 andthe steam icon 204 are illuminated and visible. The floor cleaner 110may enter the steam ready state after the warm-up period. When steam isready, the steam icon 204 can illuminate in a steady state, e.g., withgenerally continuous, unchanging characteristics over a period of time.The change between animation of the steam icon 204 and steady-stateillumination of the steam icon 204 indicates to the user that steam isready for dispensing during cleaning.

While FIG. 10-11 show the floor cleaner 110 in the hard floor mode andthe steam mode, the floor cleaner 110 is also operable in the area rugmode and the steam mode. In this case, the status display 198 shows thearea rug icon 202 and the steam icon 204.

FIG. 12-13 show the floor cleaner 110 in various dispensing states,where the headlight 206 functions as the status indicator fordispensing. As noted above, the headlight 206 is structured so that theheadlight 206 is not illuminated when the floor cleaner 110 is off (FIG.7 ) and the headlight 206 is illuminated when the floor cleaner 110 ison (FIG. 8-14 ). When the floor cleaner 110 is on and not dispensing(FIG. 8-11 ), the headlight 206 is illuminated in a first color (e.g.,white) as indicated at 210. When the trigger 126 is depressed, theheadlight 206 changes to another color (FIG. 12-13 ) to indicate thedispensing state to the user. Referring to FIG. 12 , in the hard flooror area rug mode, actuation of the trigger 126 to dispense cleaningliquid illuminates the headlight 206 in a second color (e.g., blue) asindicated as 212. Referring to FIG. 13 , in the steam mode, actuation ofthe trigger 126 to dispense steam illuminates the headlight 206 in thesecond color (e.g., blue) as indicated at 212. Release of the trigger126 in any mode can automatically change the headlight 206 back to thefirst color, indicating to a user that cleaning fluid is no longer beingdispensed. During dispensing, icons on the status display 198corresponding to the operational mode can remain illuminated andvisible.

For steam dispensing, the headlight 206 can emit light in an animatedstate, e.g. with a change pattern and/or changing characteristics overtime. Various animations are contemplated, including, but not limitedto, a pulsing or breathing animation. In a breathing animation, lightintensity increases and decreases in a generally sinusoidal manner. Thatis, the visible light gradually gets brighter until it reaches a peakand then gradually gets dimmer until it reaches a nadir (which mayinclude the light completely shut off), and then this cycle repeats.

FIG. 14 shows an alternative configuration for the steam dispensingstate of the floor cleaner 110. In FIG. 14 , the floor cleaner 110 is inthe hard floor mode and steam dispensing state, and therefore the hardfloor icon 200 and the steam icon 204 are illuminated and visible.Actuation of the trigger 126 to dispense steam illuminates the headlight206 in a third color (e.g., orange) as indicated at 214, where the thirdcolor is different from the first or second color. The headlight 206 canilluminate in a steady state or in an animated state. Release of thetrigger 126 can automatically change the headlight 206 back to the firstcolor, indicating to a user that cleaning fluid is no longer beingdispensed.

It will be understood that coordinating the operation of the headlight206 with dispensing of liquid and/or steam is optional and that aspectsof the first and second UIs described herein can be utilizedindependently of the headlight 206.

Referring to FIGS. 15-16 , in one aspect of the disclosure, operation ofthe clean-out cycle may require that the floor cleaner 110 be docked ona tray 188 and/or another condition for self-cleaning be met. When notdocked and/or when another condition for self-cleaning is not met, theclean-out cycle may be inoperable, and selection of the clean-out cyclebutton 186 will not activate the self-cleaning mode.

The contextual icon 196 is displayed when a clean-out cycle is neededand/or when a clean-out cycle is ready to be executed. In oneembodiment, the icon 196 can be hidden or dead, e.g. not illuminated,when a condition is not met, and can illuminate when a condition is met.For example, the icon 196 can be visible under certain conditions,including, but not limited to: (i) the floor cleaner 110 being docked onthe tray 188 (e.g., FIG. 16 ); (ii) sufficient cleaning fluid to run aclean-out cycle is available in the supply container; (iii) sufficientspace to collect cleaning fluid from a clean-out cycle is available inthe recovery container; or any combination thereof. The icon 196 ishidden under other conditions, including, but not limited to: (iv) thefloor cleaner 110 is not docked (e.g., FIG. 15 ); (v) insufficientcleaning fluid to run a clean-out cycle is available in the supplycontainer; (vi) insufficient space to collect cleaning fluid from aclean-out cycle is available in the recovery container; or anycombination thereof.

In one embodiment, when the floor cleaner 110 is docked on the tray 188,e.g. for recharging in the case of a cordless, battery-powered cleanerand/or after a cleaning session, the clean-out cycle icon 196illuminates, indicating to the user that the floor cleaner 110 is in aready-to-self-clean state. The icon 196 can illuminate in a steadystate, e.g., with generally continuous, unchanging characteristics overa period of time, or illuminate in an animated state, e.g. with a changepattern and/or changing characteristics over time. Various animationsare contemplated, including, but not limited to, a sunrise animation inwhich light intensity increases at a generally steady rate, e.g. theicon 196 gradually gets brighter until it reaches a peak illumination.After the clean-out cycle button 186 is pressed, icon 196 can switchfrom an animated state to a steady state, or may de-illuminate,indicating to a user that self-cleaning has been successfully initiated.In embodiments where the icon 196 remains illuminated duringself-cleaning, the icon 196 can remain illuminated until the cycle isdone and then may de-illuminate.

It is noted that the tray 188 can physically support the entire floorcleaner 110. More specifically, the base 116 can be seated in the tray188. The tray 188 can further be configured for further functionalitybeyond self-cleaning and storage, such as for charging the floor cleaner110 in the case of a battery-powered or cordless cleaner. In such cases,the tray 188 may also be referred to as a docking station.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing another configuration for the UIs112, 114 for the floor cleaner 110. In this embodiment, the floorcleaner 110 does not have a steam delivery system and the power source176 (FIG. 5 ) is a battery. The first UI 112 has the power button 178,mode button 180, and clean-out cycle button 186 as described withrespect to FIG. 6 , though arranged in a different layout. Additionally,the UI 112 has a Wi-Fi status indicator 216 that informs the user of aWi-Fi connection status of the floor cleaner 110. The Wi-Fi statusindicator 216 can include a back-lit icon that is hidden when the floorcleaner 110 is not connected to Wi-Fi and visible when the floor cleaner110 is connected to Wi-Fi.

The second UI 114 includes a battery level indicator 218. In oneembodiment, the battery level indicator 218 can include a graphic icon220 depicting a battery and a series of lights 222 (e.g., LEDs) insidethe graphic icon 220 that progressively illuminate to show a level ofcharge of battery. In an alternate example, the battery level indicator218 can include a number on the status display 198 that changes toindicate a level of charge of the battery.

FIG. 18 is a schematic view showing yet another configuration for theUIs 112, 114 for the floor cleaner 110. In this embodiment, the first UI112 has status indicators to indicate the mode selected via the modebutton 180, including a hard floor mode status indicator including anicon 224 in the form of a graphic depicting a hard floor and an area rugstatus indicator including an icon 226 in the form of a graphic icondepicting a rug. The icons 224, 226 are each backlit by an illuminationelement (e.g. an LED). When the floor cleaner 110 is off, the icons 224,226 are hidden or dead, e.g. not illuminated. When the floor cleaner 110is on, one of the icons 224, 226 is illuminated and visible to the user.The first and second UIs 112, 114 therefore both show the selectedcleaning mode. Duplication of the status indicators on both interfaces112, 114 provides mode information to the user at multiple locationswithin their field of view, whether they are looking directly at thehandle 122 or downwardly toward the surface to be cleaned.

In additional to the icon 194, the steam button 184 has a statusindicator 228 to indicate when the steam mode is “on” or active. Thestatus indicator 228 can comprise a back-lit bar or other symboladjacent to the steam button 184. The first and second UIs 112, 114therefore both show whether the floor cleaner 110 is operating in thesteam mode.

FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing still another configuration for theUIs 112, 114 for the floor cleaner 110. In this embodiment, the floorcleaner 110 is an extraction cleaner having a liquid cleaning mode, aliquid/steam cleaning mode, and a steam boost cleaning mode.

The first UI 112 has an on/off button, e.g. a power button 230, toactivate and de-active the vacuum motor 164 and the heater 152 (FIG. 5). By default, pressing the power button 230 can operate the floorcleaner 110 in the liquid/steam cleaning mode. In another embodiment,the default-cleaning mode can be the liquid cleaning mode or the steamboost cleaning mode, or the last mode selected. Other default operatingmodes for the floor cleaner 110 are possible, including a default modein which pressing the power button 230 activates an electronic componentof the floor cleaner 110 other than the vacuum motor 164 and/or theheater 152.

The first UI 112 has multiple mode select input controls or modebuttons, including a liquid cleaning mode button 232 to select theliquid cleaning mode, a liquid/steam cleaning mode button 234 to selectthe liquid/steam cleaning mode, and a steam boost cleaning mode button326 to select the steam boost cleaning mode, respectively. In operation,a user can select one of the mode buttons 232-236, and the selected modeis displayed on the base 116 by the second UI 114.

With reference to FIG. 5 , the cleaning modes can have associatedoperating parameters for the heater 152, pumps 150, 160, vacuum motor164, and/or agitator motor 174. In one example of the liquid/steamcleaning mode, the vacuum motor 164, liquid pump 150, heater 152, steampump 160, and brush motor 174 are activated, with the liquid pump 150operating at a first flow rate. In one example of the liquid cleaningmode, the vacuum motor 164, liquid pump 150, and brush motor 174 areactivated, with the with the liquid pump 150 operating at a second flowrate, which is less than the first flow rate for an express cleaningoperation where the surface to be cleaned may dry faster. In one exampleof the steam boost cleaning mode, the heater 152 and steam pump 160 areactivated. As noted above, in all cleaning modes, the release ofcleaning fluid can be controlled by the trigger 126. Alternatively,release of cleaning liquid can be controlled by the trigger 126 andrelease of steam can be controlled by the steam input control 159.

Table 2 below lists some non-limiting examples of operating parametersfor the cleaning modes, including pump flow rates for liquid and steamdispensing, and whether the vacuum motor 164 and brush motor 174 are onor off. Other operating parameters for the cleaning modes and othercleaning modes are possible.

TABLE 2 Vacuum and Cleaning Liquid Steam Brush Mode DispensingDispensing Motors Liquid/Steam HIGH ON ON Liquid LOW OFF ON Steam BoostOFF ON OFF

The power button 230 and mode buttons 232, 234, 236 can have icons 238,240, 242, 244 respectively, formed by pad printing, attaching a label,adhering a graphic, or the like, and are visible at all times to theuser. In another embodiment, the mode icons 238, 240, 242 can beback-lit so that only the mode currently selected is illuminated andvisible to the user. In yet another embodiment, the mode buttons 232,234, 236 can each have an associated status indicator to indicate whenthe associated mode is “on” or active, similar to status indicator 228(FIG. 18 ).

During operation, the user can select one of the mode buttons 232, 234,236 to change between cleaning modes. With the arrangement of the UI 112on the handle 122, the user can conveniently hold the handle grip 124 inone hand and use the thumb of the same hand to select a desired mode.The selected cleaning mode is displayed on the base 116 by the second UI114.

The second UI 114 includes a hidden status display 246 on the base 116with a plurality of status indicators. The individual status indicatorscan each include at least one icon in the form of graphics, symbols,words, or a combination thereof. In FIG. 19 , for example, the second UI114 is shown with three status indicators, including a liquid cleaningstatus indicator comprising an icon 248 in the form of a graphicdepicting a drop of liquid, a liquid/steam cleaning indicator comprisingan icon 250 in the form of a graphic icon depicting a drop of liquid andsteam, and a steam boost cleaning indicator comprising an icon 252 inthe form of a graphic icon depicting steam. The icons 248-250 are eachbacklit by an illumination element (see, e.g. LED 78 in FIG. 3 ). Thedifferent shapes of the icons 248-252 provide visual signal to the userthat different modes are in operation. To provide a further visualdistinction, the icons 248-252 may illuminate in different colors. Forexample, the liquid cleaning icon 248 can illuminate in a first color(e.g., blue), and the liquid/steam cleaning icon 520 and steam boosticon 252 can illuminate in a second color (e.g., orange).

When the floor cleaner 110 is off, the status display 246 is blank andthe icons 248-250 are hidden or dead, e.g. not illuminated. When thefloor cleaner 110 is on, the icons 248-250 may selectively beilluminated and visible to the user. The status display 246 thereforeshows the selected cleaning mode on the base 116, within the user'sfield of view where the user naturally looks while cleaning a surface.

FIG. 19 shows but one configuration for the UIs 112, 114 for anextraction cleaner. It is understood that other buttons, statusindicators, and/or icons are possible, including having additional orfewer buttons, status indicators, and/or icons. For example, for anextraction cleaner without a steam delivery system, the first UI 112 maynot include any steam mode buttons, and the second UI 114 may notinclude any steam status indicators. Other possible UI buttons, statusindicators, and/or icons include, but are not limited to, other cleaningmodes, battery status, Wi-Fi connection status, an empty supplycontainer status, a full recovery container status, filter status, floortype, or any number of other status information.

FIGS. 20-22 show the base 116 of the floor cleaner 110 in variousoperational states and/or operating modes. When the floor cleaner 110 isoff (not shown), the status display 198 of the second UI 114 is hiddenor blank. In FIG. 20 , the floor cleaner 110 is powered on and in adefault operational state. The default operational state may be theliquid/steam cleaning mode and therefore the liquid/steam cleaning icon250 is illuminated and visible. In FIG. 21 , the floor cleaner 110 is inthe liquid cleaning mode and therefore the liquid cleaning icon 248 isilluminated and visible. In FIG. 22 , the floor cleaner 110 is in thesteam boost mode and therefore the steam boost icon 252 is illuminatedand visible. The icons 248-252 can emit light in a steady state, ananimated state, or a combination of steady and animate states. Forexample, in either steam dispensing mode, the icons 250, 252 may beanimated during a steam warm-up state and may change to a steady stateduring a steam ready state.

FIG. 23 is a schematic view showing still another embodiment of thefloor cleaner 110. In this embodiment, the floor cleaner 110 is anextraction cleaner and is substantially similar to the extractioncleaner described for FIG. 19 . The floor cleaner 110 can include atleast one additional light 254, 256, 258 on the base 116 to visuallyconvey a status, alert, or error by emitting visible light in differentcolors and/or light animations. The additional light can duplicateinformation conveyed by the first and/or second UI 112, 114.

The light 254, 256, 258 can include at least one light source comprisingat least one light emitting element, such as, but not limited to, alight emitting diode (LED), an organic LED (OLED), a chip-on-board LED,a laser or laser diode, a regular lamp (arc lamp, gas discharge lamp,etc.), bulbs, or other light emitting device. The light 254, 256, 258can comprise multiple light emitting elements, such as multiple LEDs.For an LED light source, an RGB LED may be preferred in order to producelights in varying colors to indicate different statuses, errors, and/oralerts for the floor cleaner 110.

Examples of the additional light is a UI edge light 254, a headlight256, or a base edge light 258, or any combination thereof. The UI edgelight 254 can wrap at least partially around the second UI 114. Forexample, the edge light 254 can wrap at least partially around a frontside of the second UI 114, a right side of the second UI 114, a leftside of the second UI 114, or any combination thereof. The headlight 256may be similar to the headlight 206 of FIG. 6 , and can be disposed onan upper side of the base 116 and located behind cover 208, and forwardof the second UI 114. The base edge light 258 can wrap at leastpartially around the base 116, including a front side of the base 116, aright side of the base 116, a left side of the base 116, a rear side ofthe base 116, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the light 254, 256, 258 is capable of beingilluminated in multiple different colors. The light 254, 256, 258 isstructured so that the light 254, 256, 258 is not illuminated when thefloor cleaner 110 is off and the light 254, 256, 258 is illuminated whenthe floor cleaner 110 is on. Further, the light 254, 256, 258 canvisually convey a status, alert, or error by emitting visible light indifferent colors.

For example, the light 254, 256, 258 is illuminated in a first colorwhen the floor cleaner 110 is on and a dispensing control is notactuated, and the light 254, 256, 258 is illuminated in a second colorwhen the floor cleaner 110 is on and the dispensing control is actuatedto dispense cleaning fluid. The dispensing control may be, for example,the trigger 126 (FIG. 5 ) that controls dispensing from the liquiddispenser 146 and/or steam dispenser 154, or the steam input control 159that controls the dispensing of steam from the steam dispenser 154.

In another example, the light 254, 256, 258 is off or is illuminated ina first color when the floor cleaner 110 is upright, and the light 254,256, 258 is on or is illuminated in a second color when the floorcleaner 110 reclined to a use position (see, e.g., FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 ).

Referring to FIG. 24 , in another embodiment the surface cleaningapparatus can be a canister floor cleaner 300 that includes a cleaninghead 302 and a remotely disposed canister 304 mechanically and fluidinterconnected by a flexible hose 306 and a wand 308 to direct thecleaning head 302 over the surface to be cleaned. In one example, thecanister floor cleaner 300 can be a vacuum cleaner including at least avacuum collection system for creating a partial vacuum to suck up dirtfrom a floor surface and collect the removed dirt in a space provided onthe vacuum cleaner for later disposal. In another example, the canisterfloor cleaner 300 can be a wet/dry vacuum cleaner or an extractioncleaner.

The wand 308 can include a first UI 312 and the cleaning head 302 caninclude a second UI 314, where the UIs 312, 314 can comprise any of thefeatures and/or structures of the various embodiments of user interfacesdescribed herein. The second UI 314 may be on a portion of the cleaninghead 302 that is within a user's field of view when holding the wand 308in a use position.

Referring to FIG. 25 , in another embodiment the surface cleaningapparatus can be a portable extraction cleaner 400 that includes a tool402 and a remotely disposed housing 404 mechanically and fluidinterconnected by a flexible hose 406 and a wand 408 that a user holdsto direct the tool 402 over the surface to be cleaned. The housing 404comprises a fluid delivery system including a supply container 416 and arecovery system including a recovery container 418. The hose 406includes a fluid delivery conduit 422 in fluid communication with thesupply container 416 and an airflow conduit 424 in fluid communicationwith the recovery container 418.

The housing 404 can include a first UI 412 and the tool 402 can includea second UI 414, where the UIs 412, 414 can comprise any of the featuresand/or structures of the various embodiments of user interfacesdescribed herein. The second UI 414 may be on a portion of the tool 402that is within a user's field of view when a user 420 is holding thewand 408 to clean with the tool 402. In another embodiment, the wand 408can include the second UI 414.

FIG. 26 is a schematic view showing another configuration for the UIs112, 114 of the floor cleaner 110. In this embodiment, the first UI 112has the power button 178, mode button 180, and clean-out cycle button186, and the second UI 114 includes the icons 200-204 as described withrespect to FIG. 6 , though arranged in a different layout.

For the first UI 112, a separate steam button is not provided, andinstead the mode button 180 cycles through all cleaning modes, includingany steam cleaning modes. As but one example, the mode button 180 cancycle through the steam mode, the hard floor mode, and the area rugmode. The clean-out cycle button 186 is provided on the carry handle125.

FIG. 27 is a schematic view showing yet another configuration for theUIs 112, 114 for the floor cleaner 110. In this embodiment, the floorcleaner 110 is an extraction cleaner and is substantially similar to theextraction cleaner described for FIG. 19 . In this embodiment, thesecond UI 114 includes the icons 248-252 as described with respect toFIG. 19 , though arranged in a different layout.

The first UI 114 incudes the power button 230 and a single mode button270 that cycles through the cleaning modes. For example, repeatedpressing of the mode button 270 can cycle through the liquid cleaningmode, the liquid/steam cleaning mode, and the steam boost cleaning mode.The mode button 270 can have an icon 272 formed by pad printing,attaching a label, adhering a graphic, or the like, and may be visibleat all times to the user. In another embodiment, the mode icon 272 canbe back-lit.

During operation, the user press the mode button 270 to change thecleaning mode. The selected cleaning mode is displayed on the base 116by the second UI 114.

To the extent not already described, the different features andstructures of the various embodiments of the invention, may be used incombination with each other as desired, or may be used separately. Thatone surface cleaning apparatus is illustrated herein as having all ofthese features does not mean that all of these features must be used incombination, but rather done so here for brevity of description. Thus,the various features of the different embodiments may be mixed andmatched in various vacuum cleaner configurations as desired to form newembodiments, whether or not the new embodiments are expressly described.

The terms “comprising” or “comprise” are used herein in their broadestsense to mean and encompass the notions of “including,” “include,”“consist(ing) essentially of,” and “consist(ing) of. The use of “forexample,” “e.g.,” “such as,” and “including” to list illustrativeexamples does not limit to only the listed examples. Thus, “for example”or “such as” means “for example, but not limited to” or “such as, butnot limited to” and encompasses other similar or equivalent examples.

Representative features are set out in the following clauses, whichstand alone or may be combined, in any combination, with one or morefeatures disclosed in the text and/or drawings of the specification.

A surface cleaning apparatus, comprising a cleaning head adapted to moveover a surface to be cleaned, a housing coupled with the cleaning head,a cleaning fluid delivery system, a dispensing input control to dispensecleaning fluid, a first user interface on the housing, the first userinterface comprising a mode select input control to select one of aplurality of modes of operation of the surface cleaning apparatus, asecond user interface on the cleaning head, the second user interfacecomprising a status display having a plurality of status indicatorsrepresenting the plurality of modes of operation of the surface cleaningapparatus, and a light on the cleaning head and capable of beingilluminated in a plurality of different colors, wherein the light isstructured so that the light is not illuminated when the surfacecleaning apparatus is off, the light is illuminated in a first colorwhen the surface cleaning apparatus is on and the cleaning fluiddispensing input control is not actuated, and the light is illuminatedin a second color when the surface cleaning apparatus is on and thecleaning fluid dispensing input control is actuated to dispense cleaningfluid.

A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding clause, whereinthe dispensing input control is an input control to dispense cleaningfluid comprising liquid, steam, or liquid and steam.

A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding clause, whereinthe dispensing input control is a trigger.

A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding clause, whereinthe light illuminated in a third color when the surface cleaningapparatus is on and the dispensing input control is actuated to dispensesteam.

A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding clause, whereinthe second user interface illuminates in the second color when the lightilluminates in the second color.

A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding clause, whereinthe housing comprises an upright body comprising a handle having a gripand the cleaning head comprises a base adapted to move over the surfaceto be cleaned, wherein the upright body is coupled with the base todirect the base over the surface to be cleaned.

A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding clause, whereinthe first user interface is on the handle.

A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding clause, whereinthe first user interface is on the grip.

A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding clause, whereinthe housing comprises a fluid delivery system including a supplycontainer and a recovery system including a recovery container, and thecleaning head comprises a tool in fluid communication with the supplycontainer and in fluid communication with the recovery container.

A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding clause,comprising a hose interconnecting the tool and the housing, the hoseincluding a fluid delivery conduit in fluid communication with thesupply container and an airflow conduit in fluid communication with therecovery container.

A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding clause,comprising a wand interconnecting the tool and the hose, wherein thesecond user interface is on one of the tool and the wand.

A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding clause, whereinthe light is a headlight on an upper side of the cleaning head behind acover defining at least one of a suction nozzle and an agitator chamber.

A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding clause, whereinthe light is an edge light wrapping at least partially around the seconduser interface.

A surface cleaning apparatus according to any preceding clause, whereinthe cleaning head has a front and opposing first and second sides, andthe light is an edge light wrapping at least partially around the front,first side, and second side of the cleaning head.

The above description relates to general and specific embodiments of thedisclosure. However, various alterations and changes can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and broader aspects of the disclosure asdefined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted inaccordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine ofequivalents. As such, this disclosure is presented for illustrativepurposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description ofall embodiments of the disclosure or to limit the scope of the claims tothe specific elements illustrated or described in connection with theseembodiments. Any reference to elements in the singular, for example,using the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” or “said,” is not to be construedas limiting the element to the singular.

Likewise, it is also to be understood that the appended claims are notlimited to express and particular compounds, compositions, or methodsdescribed in the detailed description, which may vary between particularembodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims. Withrespect to any Markush groups relied upon herein for describingparticular features or aspects of various embodiments, different,special, and/or unexpected results may be obtained from each member ofthe respective Markush group independent from all other Markush members.Each member of a Markush group may be relied upon individually and or incombination and provides adequate support for specific embodimentswithin the scope of the appended claims.

1. A surface cleaning apparatus, comprising: a cleaning head adapted tomove over a surface to be cleaned; a housing coupled with the cleaninghead; at least cleaning system selected from a vacuum collection system,a fluid delivery system, and a fluid recovery system; a first userinterface on the housing, the first user interface comprising: a modeselect input control to select one of a plurality of modes of operationof the surface cleaning apparatus; and a plurality of status indicatorsrepresenting the plurality of modes of operation of the surface cleaningapparatus; and a second user interface on the cleaning head, the seconduser interface comprising a status display having a plurality ofduplicate status indicators representing the plurality of modes ofoperation of the surface cleaning apparatus; wherein the first andsecond user interfaces are structured so that when the surface cleaningapparatus is on, a status indicator corresponding to a selected mode ofoperation is illuminated and visible to a user on each of the housingand the cleaning head.
 2. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1,wherein the second user interface is structured so that when the surfacecleaning apparatus is off, the status display is blank.
 3. The surfacecleaning apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first user interface isstructured so that when the surface cleaning apparatus is off, theplurality of status indicators of the first user interface are visible.4. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housingcomprises an upright body comprising a handle and a grip and thecleaning head comprises a base adapted to move over the surface to becleaned, wherein the upright body is coupled with the base to direct thebase over the surface to be cleaned.
 5. The surface cleaning apparatusof claim 4, wherein the first user interface is on the grip.
 6. Thesurface cleaning apparatus of claim 5, wherein the cleaning headcomprises a cover defining at least one of a suction nozzle and anagitator chamber, and wherein the second user interface is disposed onan upper side of the base rearward of the cover.
 7. The surface cleaningapparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises the fluid deliverysystem, and the fluid delivery system includes a supply container and arecovery system including a recovery container, and the cleaning headcomprises a tool in fluid communication with the supply container and influid communication with the recovery container.
 8. The surface cleaningapparatus of claim 7, comprising: a hose interconnecting the tool andthe housing, the hose including a fluid delivery conduit in fluidcommunication with the supply container and an airflow conduit in fluidcommunication with the recovery container; and a wand interconnectingthe tool and the hose; wherein the second user interface is on one ofthe tool and the wand.
 9. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1,wherein the first user interface comprises at least one of: a powerbutton to activate and de-active at least one electronic component ofthe surface cleaning apparatus; a steam button to select a steam mode inwhich the surface cleaning apparatus generates steam; and a clean-outcycle button to select a self-cleaning mode in which the surfacecleaning apparatus executes an automatic, unattended clean-out cycle.10. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofmodes of operation comprise at least one liquid dispensing mode in whichthe surface cleaning apparatus dispenses liquid and at least one steammode in which the surface cleaning apparatus generates steam.
 11. Asurface cleaning apparatus, comprising: a cleaning head adapted to moveover a surface to be cleaned; a housing coupled with the cleaning head;at least cleaning system selected from a vacuum collection system, afluid delivery system, and a fluid recovery system; a first userinterface on the housing, the first user interface comprising a modeselect input control to select one of a plurality of modes of operationof the surface cleaning apparatus; and a second user interface on thecleaning head, the second user interface comprising a status displayhaving a plurality of status indicators representing the plurality ofmodes of operation of the surface cleaning apparatus; wherein the seconduser interface is structured so that when the surface cleaning apparatusis off, the status display is blank, and when the surface cleaningapparatus is on, a status indicator corresponding to a selected mode ofoperation is illuminated and visible to a user.
 12. The surface cleaningapparatus of claim 11, wherein the cleaning head comprises a translucentportion and includes a plurality of illuminating elements positionedwithin the cleaning head.
 13. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim11, wherein the status display includes a masking layer on an outersurface of the cleaning head, etched regions extending through themasking layer defining the status indicators, and a light-transmittinglayer covering at least the etched regions.
 14. The surface cleaningapparatus of claim 11, wherein the housing comprises an upright bodycomprising a handle and a grip and the cleaning head comprises a baseadapted to move over the surface to be cleaned, wherein the upright bodyis coupled with the base to direct the base over the surface to becleaned.
 15. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 14, wherein thefirst user interface is on the grip.
 16. The surface cleaning apparatusof claim 15, wherein the cleaning head comprises a cover defining atleast one of a suction nozzle and an agitator chamber, and wherein thesecond user interface is disposed on an upper side of the base rearwardof the cover.
 17. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 11, whereinthe housing comprises the fluid delivery system, and the fluid deliverysystem includes a supply container and a recovery system including arecovery container, and the cleaning head comprises a tool in fluidcommunication with the supply container and in fluid communication withthe recovery container.
 18. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 17,comprising: a hose interconnecting the tool and the housing, the hoseincluding a fluid delivery conduit in fluid communication with thesupply container and an airflow conduit in fluid communication with therecovery container; and a wand interconnecting the tool and the hose;wherein the second user interface is on one of the tool and the wand.19. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first userinterface comprises at least one of: a power button to activate andde-active at least one electronic component of the surface cleaningapparatus; a steam button to select a steam mode in which the surfacecleaning apparatus generates steam; and a clean-out cycle button toselect a self-cleaning mode in which the surface cleaning apparatusexecutes an automatic, unattended clean-out cycle.
 20. The surfacecleaning apparatus of claim 11, wherein the plurality of modes ofoperation comprise at least one liquid dispensing mode in which thesurface cleaning apparatus dispenses liquid and at least one steam modein which the surface cleaning apparatus generates steam.